The microgreen industry has taken off in recent years, with new products hitting the shelves all over the world. Microgreens are a very easy and convenient food to prepare, however, they are just as tasty and refreshing as any other type of green. Gardeners can earn good money by selling microgreens in their local area to farmer markets and high-end restaurants if a viable market exists in the neighborhood and the grower places the extra effort to grow a quality product. One drawback to selling this type of green is that they are not widely available in all grocery stores. Some supermarkets will carry only a few types of green lettuce.
One way for backyard gardeners to establish a market for microgreens is to look into starting a microgreen business. The market for growing microgreens is increasing as the demand for green leafy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage and kale continues to grow. Although it may take some time to establish a steady supply of green leafy vegetables in a given area, a new business dedicated to selling microgreens should prove to be worthwhile. In time, a gardeners’ microgreen business could be generating enough sales to pay for the cost of growing and harvesting fresh microgreens.
One way for backyard gardeners to get started with a small microgreen business is to buy a few pounds of loose leaves and stems from local vegetable gardens. These materials can then be broken down into various different colors of microgreens. A gardener with experience in growing microgreens can determine which varieties are best suited to growing in a particular location. A variety of greens can be planted in a bed, creating a variety that can compete with existing businesses selling fresh microgreens. Once the plants have established themselves and have begun to flower, the gardener can begin selling their micro green juice on the local grocery store shelves. Most stores allow customers to buy fresh cut fruits and vegetables on the spot and a customer who know how to shop for and select a variety of greens will find a suitable one to buy at the store.
Another way for gardeners to get involved with the microgreen market is to research and create recipes for restaurants and cafes. The ingredients used in a cafe setting can vary greatly depending on the style of the establishment. A chef may only need a small handful of leaves to create a delicious salad while a fast-food restaurant may need tons of leaves to create a wonderful sandwich. Creating a delicious meal for a customer requires the use of a variety of fresh vegetables and microgreens. A trained chef can create an extensive list of recipes for restaurants and cafes to offer at different locations.
There are many benefits to planting and cultivating edible flowers. Vast ranges of crops can be grown from tiny shoots to entire plants. The flowers can be used as decorative accessories and for added flavor to a number of dishes or they can be used to add color to areas in a backyard or to produce food. Tiny shoots provide a colorful accent to a patio or garden or they can be used to provide food for a restaurant or cafe.
When growing microgreens, a gardener must understand that micro greens do not come in single blooms. The blossoms will all be smaller than the average flower and may need to be divided and replanted each year. Careful planning is required to ensure that all blossoms are equally supported and sustained over the years. Some varieties may need to be divided and replanted every three years. Other microgreens may need less frequent dividing and replanting.
Since microgreens can be sold as whole head of cauliflower, it’s important to be aware of proper growing and harvesting methods. Carefully removing the entire plant from the garden and ensuring it doesn’t get exposed to too much sunlight and water is important to maintain quality. If growing microgreens indoors, be sure to use lights provided by the manufacturer to help ensure proper photosynthesis. The leaves on the different varieties of microgreens can turn a purplish color if exposed to full sunlight.
The best way to learn more about growing microgreens is to visit a local nursery or a reputable online retailer to learn about how to care for and harvest these tasty treats. There are many culinary uses for microgreens including a quick snack during a gathering or party. For new gardeners or those who have been interested in trying out this versatile green, the trick is to select a variety that appeals to them and learn how to properly take care of it.